Social Media

Los Angeles -- Starbucks Coffee Co. has been rated number one in a study of the most socially engaged companies by PhaseOne, a leading analytical-based research firm that helps companies to improve the quality, content and success rate of their marketing communication materials.

Conducted between July 2011 and January 2012, PhaseOne's social media engagement study looked at 75 top brands across six vertical markets and analyzed the social media engagement of more than 20 top brands.

Bentonville, Ark. -- Walmart announced that it will partner with Rovio Entertainment, maker of Angry Birds, on the launch of Angry Birds Space, the newest version of the world's most-downloaded mobile game, which will be released in app stores on March 22. The partnership will integrate retail, social media and gaming components, and launch in more than 3,000 Walmart U.S. stores on March 25.

NEW YORK — Macy’s on Wednesday outlined a new initiative to grow its business with the Millennial generation (ages 13 to 30). The group spends an estimated $65 billion each year for the type of goods sold at Macy’s.

SUNBURY, Pa. — Weis Markets is expanding its presence in the digital space.

The company earlier this month launched a free mobile application, which allows customers to view its weekly circulars and compile detailed shopping lists on their iPhone and Android smartphones. Settings for the app can be customized so customers can view weekly circular specials at their local store and lists can be synchronized between the list on their device and their list on WeisMarkets.com. Additional features include:

WASHINGTON — The National Retail Federation has named Ellen Davis SVP and executive director of the NRF Foundation, the education and research arm of NRF.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. —  Of all the mobile games out there, perhaps none is as popular, or addicting as Angry Birds. And the Angry Birds phenomenon doesn't end with digital games; plush toys, board games and costumes have all been inspired by this app. As the world's most-downloaded mobile game, it is no surprise that Rovio Entertainment would want to team up with Walmart for the newest version of Angry Birds, which will be released in app stores on March 22.

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. — Olympic gold medalists Dara Torres (swimming), Mia Hamm (soccer) and Lindsey Vonn (skiing) will star in Kohl's latest marketing campaign. Debuting on March 19, the new campaign titled “Shop to Win,” follows each of the three female athletes as they experience Kohl’s extensive fashion assortment, world-class brands and incredible value, the company said in a press release. It is the first time Kohl’s has used Olympic athletes in its marketing efforts.

Las Vegas -- Digital gift card solution-provider Transaction Wireless said Tuesday that Applebee’s expanded its offering with the Transaction Wireless platform to provide its sports fans with personalized digital gift cards as part of its “Catch the Game” invite application on Facebook.

The app is timed to launch in concert with the March Madness NCAA basketball series. Basketball fans visit the Applebee’s Facebook page and schedule a viewing party at any Applebee's location to invite family and friends to attend.